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Senior Director - Reactor Operations

University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO Full Time
POSTED ON 5/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/26/2026
Hiring Department

MRR Reactor Operations

A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production.

MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.

Be a part of MURR

Job Description

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is seeking a reactor operations leader with experience ensuring the safe, compliant, efficient, and reliable operation of a nuclear reactor. This individual will direct all aspects of MURR reactor operations, establish and execute a vision of reactor operations excellence, and maintain a strong operational focus. This is a position that prioritizes nuclear safety, engages and develops the workforce, creates an environment of teamwork, trust and cooperation, drives for sustainable results, and builds technical and leadership capability throughout the reactor operations division. The incumbent also will ensure operational alignment with peer divisions throughout the organization in support of research, innovation, and product/services goals. The Senior Director of Reactor Operations position will report directly to the Executive Director of MURR. Candidates must be committed to excellence and embrace the university’s mission of being a world-class research institution.

Key Responsibilities

  • Establish strategic goals for the reactor operations division. Monitor progress through establishing and monitoring meaningful performance metrics.
  • Plan and direct reactor operations in a manner that supports organizational mission and priorities.
  • Serve as member of the MURR senior leadership team, providing input to operational and strategic activities in support of the organization’s mission.
  • Develop workforce and staffing initiatives for reactor operations to ensure timely and professional execution of division goals.
  • Embrace, demonstrate, and lead for organizational culture goals, including regulatory goals such as a Safety Conscious Work Environment.
  • Set expectations and model behaviors that promote civil, professional behavior among the division.
  • Actively pursue interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation throughout MURR.
  • Develop and monitor annual divisional expense/revenue budgets.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance as applicable to reactor operations.
  • Maintain expert-level and current professional/industry knowledge in nuclear operations.
  • Effectively represent the organization in internal and external interactions and communications.
  • Develop and maintain a broad understanding of the organization and its divisions and mechanics.
  • Mentor and develop staff for succession and depth.
  • Commit to ongoing continuous improvement activities focused on efficiency and effectiveness of reactor operations.
  • Direct site security activities.
  • Participate and represent MURR in industry organizations.

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional leadership, organizational, and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, growth mindset, public speaking and presentation, and energy. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and commitment to the university’s values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Weekends and nights as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 10 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Has held or currently holds a Nuclear Reactor Operator license issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • BS in Nuclear Engineering or Health Physics
  • Strong nuclear sector leadership experience
  • Nuclear regulatory training and/or experience
  • Radiological leadership training and/or experience
  • Strong ability to manage projects and teams
  • People leader with experience leading transformation and inspiring others

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $303,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS M17

University Title: MURR Senior Director

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume/CV and Cover Letter

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Salary : $169,000 - $303,000

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